Memory dish group helps with grief

Staff Reports

If you are dealing with the death of a loved one or are grieving over a divorce after many years of marriage Barton's Hospice of the Lake & Valley may be able to help with monthly Memory Dish Bereavement Groups.

The bereavement group meets 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Carson Valley Medical Center Administration Building, second floor, the fourth Wednesday of each month. Fall meetings are Sept. 24 and Oct. 22. Information, 782-1510.

Trained facilitators and group councelors will be in attendance. No cost to attend the group but call 782-1510 for required pre-registration.

Each attendee is asked to bring a special dish to share that reminds them of their lost loved one. A bereavement group is a safe place for people to feel empowered to express grief and sorrow and receive help in joining the world again.

Taking care of yourself helps the body heal from physical signs of grief. Try to stick with healthy exercise, sleep and eating routines. Having family around can help you feel loved. You might need a walk or movie with friends to take your mind off things for a little while. These tips may help:

n Stay in touch with family and friends, even if it's hard to talk.

n Tell people how they can help. It can be as simple as running an errand for you.

n Attend a support group for people who have been through the same type of loss.

You may find yourself asking, "Why?" It's normal to seek meaning by asking questions, but there's not always an answer for loss. With time, your loss will still be part of your life, but not the only thing in it. You're not alone and grief healing is a process.

The bereavement group meets from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Carson Valley Medical Center Administration Building, second floor, the fourth Wednesday of each month. Fall meetings include Sept. 24 and Oct. 22. Call 782-1510.